Wednesday, January 10, 2018

Favorite Reads from 2017

Usually I do the top ten novels I read over the year, but this year I had a list of 12 top reads from the 167 books I read in 2017.  And I realized that there were four that stood out from the list.  So I've narrowed it down to my top four. 

By far, my favorite book of the year was The Snow Child, by Eowyn Ivey.  It's a great fiction read for winter, so go get yourself a copy now!

I also loved The Dressage Chronicles by Karen McGoldrick (I also read one of the sequels).  This is probably not going to go over well with readers unless they are horse enthusiasts, but I enjoyed it so much.

I actually read a book for the second time this year, which is unusual for me.  Last time I read it I was about twelve years old.  My grandfather recommended it to me.  House of a Thousand Lanterns by Victoria Holt.  It did not disappoint.  I was surprised by what a great read this was.

Finally, a nonfiction read.  The Stranger in the Woods by Michael Finkel, about a hermit that lived in the Maine woods alone for over 20 years. 
 
Readers, do you have any books you want to recommend for me in 2018?

20 comments:

Monkeywrangler said...

Here's a great book you should read to the boys! Red Sails to Capri. Author is Ann Weil. I love it! My kids liked it too. The mother in the story just cracks me up...I can so easily see her in the kitchen.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Good Morning and happy 2018... I'm an excited Mama/Grammy this morning since my Granddaughter and hubby are at the hospital this morning waiting the birth of my first GREAT Granddaughter.... Such family excitement....

I don't take time to read much these days --but do read a lot of health stuff since that is my priority now --as I continue to get OLD.... Gads!!!!! ha

Hugs,
Betsy

Sally said...

I think you and I are the "most reading people" ever. These books all sound good, especially the non-fiction. I'm going to hunt that one up.

The difference between us, Lisa, you're young; I'm old(er) and can read one this year and again the next and not remember what happens at the end. :)

Happy New Year!

xoxo

Mary said...

Your reads sounded interesting Lisa. Nothing beats a great book does it - and reading 167 is an amazing feat!

My top favorite read in 2017 was definitely Anthony Doerr's 'All the Light We Cannot See'. I too have decided to re-read a few older books I've kept as favorites and will soon return to 'The House on an Irish Hillside' by Felicity Hayes-McCoy. I read it after returning from my trip to Ireland in 2016 and would so love to move there!!! Another old longtime top favorite is Eugenie Fraser's 'The House by the Dvina - A Russian Childhood' - my third reading of this one may come soon! You can check these on Amazon if you want to see more.

Two others I've read recently were 'The Lilac Girls' - heart wrenching and so sad at times - and just read 'Paris Apartment' which was disappointing for me, and I so disliked the main character I almost didn't bother to finish it because of her!

Stay warm - it's better here now but colder weather coming back by the weekend.
Happy New Year to you and your family.
Hugs - Mary

Lin said...

Oh, I read The Snow Child awhile back...LOVED it too! Have you read "Dollbaby"? It was one of my most recent faves. I am reading "Born to Run" by Springsteen, but I find it a long, boring read and doubt I will finish it.

You read 167 books in 2017?? Wow!! I have a lot of catching up to do.

Ginny Hartzler said...

Yes, your books! I will look each one up on Amazon. Victoria Holt!! I used to read her books when I was newly married. I loved them. Sadly, I cannot recall offhand a single title!

Out on the prairie said...

I have been reading a series by Philipia Gregory I have really enjoyed, I am in my 11th book about royal families in the 14-1500 England

Lexie Loo, Lily, Liam & Dylan Too said...

I will check out your favorite! Thanks for the recommendation!

Crystal Collier said...

Nice! We were on the same wave length. But then, I suppose you have to do a best books post at the beginning of the year, eh?

DMS said...

Wow! You read a lot of books this past year. I also read The Snow Child and thought it was great. I had originally thought it was a middle grade book, but soon realized it was for adults. :) I agree that it is great for this time of year!

I haven't read the other books you mentioned, but I am curious about them now!
~~Jess

Tina Fariss Barbour said...

167 books is impressive! I read 86 and some of those were picture books. I am reading thrillers that I got for Christmas right now--finished Final Girls and Midnight Line. The second one had some interesting and sad characters who were wounded vets addicted to painkillers--it explored why people might get addicted and how complex it all can be. Now I'm reading The Widow by Fiona Barton. Good so far.

Ginny Hartzler said...

I have read about The Snow Child on Amazon, but cannot find age recommendations. What do you think about Anne Marie? She is 11 now. It looks so good!

Linda said...

I don't think I'd read a dressage book, and I don't know a lot about horses. But I am very drawn to pictures of them and have actually purchased two paintings of horses.

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

I will look these books up! I am enjoying returning to my books...something I did not have much time for last year. Happy 2018!

Unknown said...

It is so kind and gratifying to see that you've selected "The Stranger in the Woods" as one of your favorite reads. I appreciate the mention, and I'm touched that you found the story of Christopher Knight (the hermit) to be interesting.

Yours,

Mike Finkel

Harry Flashman said...

I've read about that hermit. Is he the guy who jumped off a troop train, deserted, and lived out in the bush for decades? I saw a video of an interview with him, the guy should have at least snuck into town to see a dentist once in awhile. ;-)

mail4rosey said...

Happy to hear your recommendations. I'm overdue to read simply for pleasure.

Tanya Breese said...

Wow you read a lot last year! I am currently reading "weedmonkey"...it's a memoir about a girl growing up during the depression in WV and KY...sad childhood...I am finding some things very shocking....almost done 😊

Annette said...

These stories must be some great reads out of 167 books! My goal this year is to give myself some free time for pleasure reading. (As an English writing professor, I end up spending my days reading some pretty sloppy papers with poor grammar instead.) I'll keep this post on hand when it's time for me to go to the library :)

Indah Nuria Savitri said...

I have been hooked with my boy's series of books from Rick Riordan, the writer of Percy Jackson series. It's really lovely, telling you the adventure of demi-god kids with a twist of Greek mythology. And we are reading the Kane Chronicles as well, this time with Egyptian gods and goddesses around :). Very entertaining...